Bone Spur on my Spine causing Neural canal Narrowing

[amandapanda489]

I recently found out by a CT that I have a Posterblasteral Osteophyte that is on my spine causing neural canal narrowing. I have never had any pain in my back or neck only some burning. I was in a car accident and now i have some neck pain but not alot. Do i have to have surgery on this or is it something that can be dealt with other wise. I have an appt with a neurologist next week but im scared i dont want surgery on my spine. Im only 25  years old and have no trouble walking or doing anything. Is it possible that it was a mistake on the CT.

[kay290]

If you are just having some pain you can delay surgery as long as you can. try all the conservative measures mentioned above and wait it out. Your symptoms may worsen over time, but you can't worry about that now.

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Hi, Presence of osteophytes (spurs) and narrowing of foraminae are indication of degenerative disorder of spine. Cervical spine disorders such as spondylosis and myelopathy are often related to osteophyte formation. Osteophytes in your neck leads to nerve irritation leading to mild to severe pain in related area supplied by those nerve coming from that area of spinal cord and difficulty in breathing or eating may also be possible.  I would advice a multidisciplinary approach involving orthopedician (as basic treating doctor), neurologist and surgeon consultation (upon referral of your treating doctor) for your problem. A multi-disciplinary approach includes: Immobilization using a collar or braces; Physical therapy and manipulation (chiropractic) can also be useful in decreasing muscle spasms that can contribute to your pain symptoms. Medications include painkillers like NSAIDs, and muscle relaxants. Surgical Treatment (of removing bony spurs/osteophytes or removal of intervertebral disc) comes into picture when treatment by non-surgical procedures fails. Hope this helps.